SUGGESTIONS FOR TENT OPERATIONS
By M. E. Cornell
Remains for one week at Fairview, and about two weeks at Marion, and then launches into entire new fields. That will be about the usual time of commencing tent operations, so that we hope to have the entire time occupied in places where the truth has never been preached. We have always had the best success away from the railroads and large, aristocratic towns; but especially this season will it be necessary to go into back districts. The political excitement will be so great in all the large towns that the interest in our cause cannot predominate. Small country towns surrounded by enterprising farmers will doubtless be the best places for tent meetings during the present season. Bro. Perkins (deaf and dumb) and Bro. Field have made a very nice book-chest, large enough to hold $100 dollars worth of books. It is most perfectly dovetailed together and then glued so that it is water tight. It has drawers to slide back and forth similar to a tool chest, and is the best for the purpose I have ever seen. For lights in the tent we have always used candles or open fluid lamps, and have had much trouble with them when there was any air stirring, besides having a very imperfect light. We have now a large camphene lamp for the center which cost $2. It lights up the tent beautifully, and burns three hours at a cost of only five cents, and is not in the least affected by the wind. The same amount of light with candles would cost about twenty cents. On the stand we have a coal oil lamp which cost seventy-five cents and will give a brilliant light for two or three hours, at a cost of only three cents. In a short time we save enough to buy the lamps and have a light that is a light, compelling those who choose darkness for their evil deeds, to go away from the tent. To preserve the glass chimneys of our lamps we put them into a small box made for the purpose, well supplied with wadding, and we pack them away every evening after meeting. With proper caution there is but little danger in using a camphene lamp. I am thus particular because we have had so much trouble about lights when there was no need of it. The greatest difficulty, however, that we have to meet is to manage a tent in a rainy, stormy time. But the danger and trouble can in a great measure be overcome by taking necessary and timely cautions. We have many times let down our tents, or had them blown down because our stakes were not deep enough in the ground. The care and trouble of raising a wet tent is so much that we desire to avoid it when possible. Besides when we let down the canvass in the wind to be whipped around on the rough seats, it is liable to be torn before it can be fastened down. Let the stakes be driven down about three feet in common soil, and then have several extra strong guys ready to put on the side most exposed and the tent will endure every wind except the sudden whirlwind, the hurricane or heavy gale. After taking pains to guard against the wind and the elements of strife among the people, we can only trust all in the hands of our Master, who has promised to be with us even to the end. While we are in his work faith enables us to look through the darkness to the light and victory beyond. M. E. Cornell. P. S. If any of the brethren have any good suggestions in regard to tent operations I hope we shall have the benefit of them. M. E. C.